Kwaito music, a variant of house music that features the use of African sounds and samples, which emerged in Soweto during the 1990s, used to dominate the airwaves and playlists at parties more especially in townships.
Despite its popularity in the early 2000s, the music genre’s status has been diminishing with new genres that have tapped on the iconic beats of Kwaito taking over. But it showed recently that the genre still has something to it during the event to launch the new drinking hole and eatery. With the less fancied line-up, the event looked like it would not spark any interest.
On a day when imbibers would prefer something soothing, Kwaito Sundays served them the oldies. Performances from former Da Vet Crew member Letso Omtaka, Rio Dee B-I brought back good memories with their songs.
For a moment, it actually brought Kwaito back to life. They brought back the groove and had everyone singing and dancing along. The DJs, DJ Kyle and G Man also played some of the popular songs by the originators of Kwaito such as Mdu Masilela.
Veteran radio personality and Disk Jockey, DJ Sly graced the occasion. After the event, Letso Omtaka said although the event was to promote Capadona Café, it was also meant to give Kwaito music lovers a treat of their favourite music. He said they intend to make it a regular feat.
The owner of Capadona Grills Café, Oscar Tshuma said as he expands his businesses, he also wants to empower local artists by giving them a chance to perform at his businesses. He said Kwaito has been dead but its revival is imminent.
Kwaito was pioneered by artists such as Mdu Masilela, Arthur Mafokate, Mandoza, Brown Dash, Tkzee and Trompies among others, who went on to attain legendary status in the music industry.
Locally, the names that come to mind include Mapetla, Da Vet Crew, Coloza, P-mag, Ghavorr and Skazo. Kwaito songs play at a slower tempo range than other styles of house music and often contain catchy melodic and percussive loop samples, deep bass lines and vocals.
Despite its similarities to Hip Hop music, Kwaito has a distinctive manner in which the lyrics are sung, rapped.
